This heraldry dictionary is based on the works of Elvin (edited by Marvin Beatty) from his original manuscript of 1879. Corrections have been made, and additions from the Armorial Gold Library have been added. You are welcome to use this
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Keys. Are variously
borne in Coat Armour. Also, the Emblem of St. Peter.

Kid. A young goat.

King of Arms. See
Heralds College and Bath King of Arms.

King-Fisher. The
Halcyon of the ancients; a bird with beautiful plumage.

Kite. A bird of prey.

Knife. Knives of
various kinds are met with in Heraldry, as a Cutting Knife,
Butcher's, Pruning, Shredding, etc.

Knight. A Title of
Honour next to that of a Baronet, not hereditary. Knights
may be divided into two classes. First; those who are invested
with some Order, and bear their Arms. Secondly; those who
are not so invested, termed Knight Bachelors. The arms of
a Knight Bachelor is distinguished by the Helmet.

Knight-Banneret.
A Knight who, for good service under the Royal Banner, was
advanced by the King to a higher Order of Knighthood on
the Field of Battle.

Knight-Errant. One
who wanders in quest of adventure.

Knight of St. John
of Jerusalem. See Hospitallers.

Knighthood. The character,
or dignity of a Knight.

Knighthood, Orders of.

The Most Noble Order of the
Garter. This Order was instituted by King Edward III., A.D.
1350. The Original statutes of the Order are
lost. By a Statute passed 17th Jan., 1805, the Order was
to consist of the Sovereign and twenty-five Knight's Companions,
together with such lineal descendants of King George the
First as may be elected, but exclusive of the Prince of
Wales, who is a part of the original institution. Foreign
Sovereigns, and Princes and Extra Knights, have since been
added by special statutes. The latter, however, become merged
in the twenty-five Companions as vacancies occur. The Garter
is of dark blue velvet, edged with gold, bearing the motto
"Honi soit qui mal y pense" in letters of gold, with buckle
and pendant of richly chased gold. It is worn on the left
leg below the knee. The George. An enamelled figure of St.
George on horseback, encountering the Dragon. It is worn
as a pendant to the collar. The collar is of gold. composed
of twenty-six pieces (in allusion to the original number
of Knights) in the form of Garters and Gold Knots. The Garters
are enamelled azure, within the Garters alternately placed
is a Red and White rose, barbed and seeded ppr. surmounting
each other. The star of eight points silver, in the centre
of which, is the Cross of St. George, gules, encircled with
the Gartoi and Motto. The mantle of blue velvet lined with
white taffeta, on the left breast the star embroidered.
The hood of crimson velvet. The sub-coat of crimson velvet
lined with white taffeta. The hat of black velvet lined
with white taffeta, to which is fastened by a band of diamonds,
a plume of white ostrich leathers, in the centre of which
a tuft of black heron's feathers. Ribbon of the Order. Blue.
Motto. Honi soit qui mal y pense. "Dishonoured be he who
thinks ill of it."

The Most Ancient and Most Noble
Order of the Thistle. It is said this Order was
instituted by James V. of Scotland, A.D. 1540. It was revived
by King James II. of England, 29th May, 1687, subsequently
by Queen Anne, 31st Dec., 1703, and by a statute passed
in May, 1837, the Order is to consist of the Sovereign and
Sixteen Knights. The badge, worn pendant to the Collar,
or to a dark green ribbon over the left shoulder and tied
under the arm, consists of a radiant star or, charged with
the figure of St. Andrew ppr. of gold enamelled, with his
gown green, and the surcoat purple, bearing before him the
cross Saltire argent, standing upon a mount vert, upon which
the cross is resting. The collar is of golden thistles,
intermingled with sprigs of rue enamelled ppr. The jewel,
worn attached to a green ribbon, consists of an oval plate
ar. charged with the same figure as the Badge, within a
border vert, fimbriated (both internally and externally)
or, and inscribed in letters of the same, "Neino me impune
lacessit". The star is worn on the left side of the Coat,
or Cloak, and consists of St. Andrew's Cross of silver embroidery,
with rays emanating from each angle; in the centre is a
Thistle of green, heightened with gold, upon a field of
gold, surrounded by a circle of green, bearing the motto
of the Order in golden characters. Ribbon of the Order.
Green. Motto. Nemo me impune lacessit. No one provokes me
with impunity.

The Most Illustrious Order of
St. Patrick. This Order was instituted by King
George III., 5th February, 1783, and consists of the Sovereign,
a Grand Master, and Twenty-two Knights. The Lord Lieutenant
of Ireland pro. tempore, being Grand Master. The badge,
pendant from the Collar, is of gold, surrounded with a wreath
of Shamrock or trefoil, within which is a circle of Blue
Enamel containing the Motto of the said Order in letters
of gold, viz., Quis Separabit, with the date MDCCLXXXIII,
being the year in which the Order was founded, and encircling
the Cross of Saint Patrick Gules, surmounted with a trefoil
slipped vert, each loaf charged with an Imperial crown or,
upon a field argent. The collar, of gold, is composed of
six harps and five roses, three alternately, joined together
by twelve golden knots; the roses are enamelled alternately
by white leaves within red and red leaves within white,
and in the centre of the Collar is an Imperial crown surmounting
a harp of gold. The mantle made of rich sky-blue tabiret
lined with white silk, and fastened by a cordon of blue
silk and gold with tassels. The star consists of the Cross
of Saint Patrick Gules, on a field argent, charged with
a trefoil as on the Badge, surrounded by a sky-blue enamelled
circle, containing the motto and date, and is encircled
by four greater, and two lessor rays of silver. Ribbon of
the Order. Sky-blue. Motto Quis Separabit. Who shall separate
us.

The Most Honourable Order of
the Bath. The Order of the Bath was probably
instituted by King Henry IV, 1389, although Selden and Ashmole
are of opinion that the said King did not institute, but
rather revive it. After the coronation of Charles II., the
Order was neglected until the year 1725, when George I.
revived and remodelled it. However, several alterations
have since been made, and on the second day of January,
1815, it was enlarged and divided into three classes, in
commemoration of "the auspicious termination of the long
and arduous contest in which this empire has been engaged".
On the 14th April, 1817, it was further increased by the
addition of Civil Divisions of the second and third classes,
when new Statutes were made for the Government of the Order,
which have since been revised and the Order now consists
of the following members, viz; 1st Class - Knight's Grand
Cross - for the military service, fifty, exclusive of the
Sovereign and princes of the blood royal, and such distinguished
foreigners as may be nominated Honorary Knights Grand Cross,
and twenty five for the Civil Service. By Royal Warrant,
2nd June, 1725, all Knights Grand Cross are entitled to
a grant of supporters. 2nd Class - Knight's Commanders -
for the military service, one hundred and twenty-three,
and for the civil service eighty, exclusive of foreign officers,
who may be admitted as Honorary Knights Commanders. In the
event of actions of signal distinction, or of future wars,
the numbers of this, as well as of the third class, may
be increased. The members of the second class are entitled
to the distinctive appellation of Knighthood, after having
been invested with the Insignia. 3rd Class - Compaiuons
of the Order - six hundred and ninety, and for the Civil
Service two hundred and fifty; they take precedence of Esquires,
but are not entitled to the appellation or style of Knights.
No officer can be nominated to the military division of
the third class of the Order, unless his services have been
marked by special mention of his name as having distinguished
himself in action against the enemy. This class has never
bean conferred upon any officer below the rank of Major
in the Army, and Commander in the Navy. The badge for the
Military Classes of the Order is a gold Maltese cross, of
eight points, enamelled argent; in each angle a lion passant-guardant
or; in the centre, the rose, thistle and shamrock, issuant
from a sceptre between three imperial crowns or, within
a circle guiea, thereon the motto of the Order, surrounded
by two branches of laurel, proper, issuing from an escrol
azure, inscribed Ich Dien (I serve) in letters of gold.
It is worn by the Knights Grand Cross pendent from a red
ribbon across the right shoulder, by the Knights Commanders
around the neck, and by the Companions suspended from the
left breast. The collar is of gold (weight 30oz. Troy),
is composed of nine imperial crowns, and eight roses, thistles
and shamrocks, issuing from a sceptre, enamelled in their
proper colours, tied or linked together with seven- teen
gold knots, enamelled white, having the Badge of the Order
pendent therefrom. The star of the Grand Cross of the Military
Division is formed of rays or flames of silver, thereon
a gold Maltese cross, and in the centre, within the motto,
branches of laurel, issuant as in the Badge. The badge and
star of the Knights Grand Cross of the Civil Division are
the old badge and star of the Order. The Star is of silver,
formed with eight points or rays, charged with three imperial
crowns, proper upon a glory of silver rays, surrounded with
a red circle, upon which is the motto of the Order. The
Badge is of gold, composed of a rose, thistle, and shamrock,
issuing from a sceptre between three imperial crowns, encircled
by the motto. The Knights Commanders of the Civil Division
wear the like badge, of a smaller size, round the neck by
a red ribbon, and the Companions of the same division the
same, but of a still smaller size, from the left breast,
pendent from a red ribbon. The Star is a cross-pattée silver,
charged with three imperial crowns proper upon a glory of
silver rays, surrounded with a red circle, upon which is
the motto of the Order. The Star of the Knights Commanders
Civil Division is of the same form and size, omitting the
laurel wreath and the escroll, and is worn embroidered on
the left side. Ribbon of the Order - pale red. Motto - Tria
Junota in Uno. Three joined in one.

The Most Exalted Order of the
Star of India. This Order was instituted by Her
Majesty Queen Victoria, 23rd February, 1861, and enlarged
28th March, 1866, and in 1875, and 1876. The Order consists
of the Sovereign, the Grand Master, and 205 Ordinary Companions
or Members, together with such Extra and Honorary Members
as Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, shall from time
to time appoint. The 205 Ordinary Members are divided into
three classes. The first Class are styled Knights Grand
Commanders, and consists of thirty members (eighteen Natives
and twelve Europeans); the second class of seventy-two members,
styled Knights Commanders; the third class of one hundred
and forty-four members, styled Companions. Her Majesty's
Viceroy and Governor-General of India is Grand Master. The
Statutes enable the Sovereign to confer the dignity of Knight
Grand Commander of the Order upon such of Her Majesty's
British subjects as have, by important and loyal services
rendered by them to the Indian Empire, merited the Royal
favour; and the second and third classes upon persons who,
by their conduct or services in the Indian Empire, have
merited the Royal favour. The badge - an onyx cameo of Her
Majesty's effigy, set in a perforated and ornamented oval,
containing the motto of the Order "Heaven's Light our Guide,"
surmounted by a Star all in diamonds. The Collar of the
Order is sky-blue, having a narrow white stripe towards
either edge, and is worn from the right shoulder to the
left side. The collar is composed of the Lotus of India,
of palm branches, tied together in saltire, and of the united
Red and White Rose. In the centre is an imperial crown;
all richly enamelled on gold, in their proper colours. The
star is composed of rays of gold issuing from the centre,
having thereon a Star in diamonds, resting upon a light
blue enamelled circular riband, tied at the ends, inscribed
with the motto of the Order, viz.: "Heaven's Light our Guide,"
also in diamonds. The mantle - Light blue satin, lined with
white, and fastened with a cordon of white silk, with blue
and silver tassels, on the left side a representation of
the Star of the Order. The motto, "Heaven's Light our Guide".

The Most Distinguished Order
of St. Michael and St. George. Instituted by
King George IV., when Prince Regent, 27th April, 1818, by
Letters Patent, under the Great Seal of Great Britain, in
commemoration of the Republic of the Ionian Islands being
placed under the protection of Great Britain. The Order
was enlarged and extended 4th December, 1868, and 30th May,
1877, for the natural born subjects of the United Kingdom
as may have held, or shall hold, high and confidential offices
within Her Majesty's colonial possessions; and again, 1879,
by the admission of persons rendering good service to the
Crown in relation to the Foreign Affairs of the British
Empire. The Members of the Order take rank and precedency
immediately after the corresponding classes of the Order
of the Star of India, that is to say, the Knights Grand
Cross, after Knight Grand Commanders of the Star of India;
the Knights Commanders, after the Knights Commanders of
the Star of India; and the Companions, after the Companions
of the Star of India. The Grand Master is the First and
Principal Knight Grand Cross. The Knights Grand Cross are
entitled to bear supporters, and to encircle their arms
with the collar, ribbon, and motto, of the Order. The Knights
Commanders also encircle their arms with the ribbon and
motto, and the Companions suspend the Badge of the Order
from their escutcheon. The Order is to consist of not more
than fifty Knights Grand Cross, exclusive of Extra and Honorary
Members, one hundred and fifty Knights Commanders, and two
hundred and sixty Companions. The badge is a gold cross
of fourteen points of white enamel, edged with gold, having
in the centre, on one side, the Archangel St. Michael, encountering
Satan, and on the other St. George on horseback, encountering
a dragon, within a blue circle, on which the motto of the
Order is inscribed. The Cross is surmounted by the Imperial
Crown, and worn by the Knights Grand Cross attached to the
Collar, or to a wide Saxon-Blue-Ribbon, with a scarlet stripe
from the right shoulder to the left. Knights Commanders
wear the badge suspended to a narrow ribbon from the neck.
The companions wear the small cross of the Order from a
still narrower ribbon at the button-hole of their coats.
The star of a Knight Grand Cross is composed of seven rays
of silver, having a small ray of gold between each of them,
and over all the Cross of St George, gules. In the centre
is a representation of the Archangel St. Michael encountering
Satan, within a blue circle, inscribed with the motto, Auspicium
Melioris Ævi. The collar is formed alternately of lions
of England, of Maltese crosses, and of the cyphers S.M.
and S.G., having in the centre the imperial crown, over
two winged lions, passant guardant, each holding a book
and seven arrows. At the opposite end of the collar are
two similar lions. The whole is of gold except the crosses,
which are of white enamel, and it is linked together by
small gold chains. The mantle is of Saxon-blue satin, lined
with scarlet silk, tied with cordons of blue and scarlet
silk and gold, and has on the left side the Star of a Knight
Grand Cross. The chapeau is of blue satin, lined with scarlet,
and surmounted with white and black ostrich feathers. The
ribbon of the Order - Saxon - blue with a scarlet strip.
Motto. Auspicium Melioris Ævi. A pledge of better times.

The Order of the Indian Empire.
By Royal warrant, dated India Office, 15th Sept.,
1887 - The Queen taking unto her Royal consideration the
expediency of making certain changes in the constitution
of the Order of the Indian Empire, as well by altering the
designation of the Order as by adding thereto additional
Classes, so as to enable her Majesty, her Heirs and Successors,
to reward a greater number of persons who, by their services,
oflicial or other, to her Majesty's Indian Empire, have
merited the Royal favour, has been graciously pleased by
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdon
of Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date the second day
of August, 1886, to revoke and abrogate so much of the Royal
Warrant bearing date the thirty-first day of December, one
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, by which the said
Order was instituted, as limits the same to the Sovereign,
a Grand Master and one class of Members or Companions, and
as is inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of
the now recited Letters Patent. And to ordain, direct, and
appoint that the said Order of Knighthood shall henceforth
be styled and designated in all acts, proceedings and pleadings
as "The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire".

The Most Eminent Order of the
Indian Empire. Instituted 1st January, 1887.
Enlarged 1st June, 1887. The Order consists of the Sovereign,
Grand Master, and three Classes. The First Class, or Knights
Grand Commanders, who have place and precedency next to
and immediately after Knights Grand Cross of St. Michael
and St. George. The Second Class, or Knights Commanders,
who have precedency next to Knights Commanders of St. Michael
and St. George. The Third Class, or Companions, who have
precedency next to Companions of St. Michael and St. George.
The badge. A Rose gold enamelled gules, barbed and seeded
vert. having in the centre Her Majesty's Royal Effigy within
a purple circle edged with gold, inscribed with the Motto
of the Order, surmounted by an Imperial Crown both gold.
The collar is composed of Elephants, Lotus-flowers, Peacocks
in their pride, and Indian roses, in the centre the Imperial
Crown from which, The Badge is pendant, the whole linked
together by chains of gold. The star of The First Class
or Knights Grand Commanders (K.C.I.E.) is composed of five
rays of Gold and Silver, issuing from a Gold centre thereon
Her Majesty's Royal Effigy, within a purple circle inscribed
with the motto of the Order, the circle surmounted by the
Imperial Crown both gold. The star of the Second Class or
Knights Commanders (K.C.I.E.) is composed of rays alternately
bright and chipped, issuing from a gold centre, having thereon
Her Majesty's effigy within a purple circled inscribed with
the Motto of the Order in letters of gold, the circle surmounted
by the Imperial Crown also gold. The mantle - Imperial purple
satin, lined with, and fastened by, a cordon of white silk,
with purple silk, and gold tassels attached, on the left
side a representation of the Star of the first-class of
the Order. The ribbon of the Order is blue. For the second-class,
is two inches in breadth. The Motto. "Imperatricis Anspiciis".

The Royal Hanoverian Guelphic
Order. This Order was instituted by King George
IV., when Prince Regent, 12th August 1815, and has not been
conferred by the British Crown since the death of William
IV., when the British Sovereign ceased to be Monarch of
Hanover. The Collar, Star and Badge, is the same for a Civil
Knight omitting the swords which are crossing each other
over the Badge. The Ribbon is light blue, watered. Motto
Nee aspera terrent. Difficulties do not daunt.

Knight Templers (soldiers of
the pilgrims). The Order of the Knights Templers
was founded about A.D. 1117 by Hugh de Paynes. vide Mardment's
Templaria. They agreed in profession with the Hospitallers
in vowing poverty, chastity, and obedience, and to defend
Pilgrims to the Holy Sepulchre. These soldiers wore a white
mantle over their armour, as their peculiar habit, to which
was afterwards added a red cross, emblazoned on the left
breast, identical with the white cross of the Hospitallers.
Their helmet had no crest, their great banner was oblong
in form and per-fesse sable and argent, ornamented with
the Cross of the Order, and the old French word "Beau-Seant",
by which name it was commonly known, was also their War-Cry.
The Badge was the Agnus Dei.

Knots. Entwined cords,
used as Badges. Knots are mostly distinguished by the name
of the family who bear them, as the Knot borne by the Family
of Bourchier is termed a Bourchier Knot.

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